UNFPA, UNDP, China ensure womenâ€™s reproductive health, rights

Published : Thursday, 15 February, 2018 at 12:00 AM Count : 39

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), under a joint initiative of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the government of China, on Wednesday handed over sexual and reproductive health kits for Rohingyas.The health kits, also for flood-affected women, were handed over to the Civil Surgeon Office of Gaibandha, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari and Bogra districts, in addition to the Directorate General of Health Services.Some 14,850 women and girls, affected by the floods in 2017, will receive the kits from the Civil Surgeon Office, which contain sanitary napkins, underwear, flashlight etc, said a press release on Wednesday.These kits will assist the under privileged women in the flood-hit districts to maintain hygiene and dignity.It is estimated that, in Cox's Bazar, almost 294,000 women of reproductive age are affected and at risk of gender-based violence since the Rohingya influx.With this joint initiative of UNDP and China, UNFPA is providing lifesaving reproductive health kits and medicines to 118,000 Rohingya women.Chief of Health, UNFPA Dr Sathyanarayanan Doraiswamy said UNFPA supported 35000 flood-affected women and girls of reproductive age to ensure their reproductive health and girls, improving their mobility and be able to access the lifesaving humanitarian aid.With support from China Aid, UNFPA will provide 125 health workers kits to provide reproductive health support to 14,850 flood-affected women and girls. Some 118,000 refugee women and girls in Cox's Bazar will also get reproductive health kits," he said.He thanked the government of China and UNDP for this joint initiative.Chinese Economic and Commercial Counselor to Bangladesh Li Guangjun said China appreciates the role of the government of Bangladesh in handing the refugee crisis. "Through this initiative, China is keen to provide much-needed materials to help the flood victims and refugees in Bangladesh, partnering with UNDP and UNFPA."He also hoped the government of China would continue this partnership in the future for the poor and marginalised people of Bangladesh. —UNB